Career Planning: A Christian Counselor’s Perspective on How to Begin

Creating forward momentum and setting goals has a lot of benefits, including building self-esteem and confidence, allowing for step-by-step progress, and increasing focus in both the present and the future. There are a couple of things to keep in mind as you set goals and plan for your future. There are also some actions you should take as you begin the process of planning for your future. Allowing God to guide your progress, you can begin by having an open heart and a strong, focused mind, as you intend to land only where God leads.

Talk with Those You Trust

Think of someone you respect and admire and who may be able to help you to avoid some of the pitfalls along the path to a career or lifestyle change. Individuals whose careers you admire can likely offer insight into how they got to where they are. These individuals may also recognize things about you that could be helpful.

Be Proactive and Decisive

Getting a head start in planning can offer you additional time to seek out others and to learn as you go. Being proactive and decisive in your decisions allows you to seek guidance as you go. As you pray for peace and guidance, you can make a strong, forward movement.

Stay Focused and Organized

Know where you would like to end up and stay focused on the next goal in the steps towards your end goal. Focus and organization allow progress with as little aberration from your path as possible.

Keep in Mind Your Talents and Gifts

Knowing and utilizing your skills to their fullest potential within your life and career is a great way to take advantage of the gifts and talents God has bestowed upon you. It is wise to use and build upon these talents and this can be beneficial to your future.

Find a Career that is In Line with Your Values

If you are in a place in your life where you are hunting for your career path, the options can feel overwhelming … or stark. Choosing something that falls in line with your values can offer a path to fulfillment and contentment within your chosen career path.

Find a Career that is In Line with the Type of Life You would Like to Have

If you would like to have children and you want to be able to be home most of the time, a career as a submarine pilot who spends long expeditions at sea may not be your best option. Determining the kind of life you would like may narrow down some of the career paths you have considered.

Keep God in the Middle of Your Planning

Praying consistently for God’s guidance throughout the planning and movement process, and staying open to the distinct possibility that God may have different plans, is a phenomenal way to begin the process of moving forward. You might consider spending time praying that the right doors will be opened and the wrong ones will be closed, as you stay open to God’s guidance in every step.

Stay Flexible – Maybe God has Different Plans

This statement speaks for itself. Allow God to lead you and aid you in each step, knowing that what He has planned will be the best option. Knowing that you are where God wants you to be is fulfilling, joyous, and breeds contentment.

 

Christian Counseling to Plan Your Career

As a Christian counselor, I am aware that making plans and determining how to move forward can be a tumultuous, confusing process. I hope this article sheds some light on how to begin and stay focused throughout the process. If you ever feel overwhelmed, are struggling to understand your gifts and what they entail, or can’t determine how to set goals and move forward, consider reaching out to one of the many counselors at Tacoma Christian Counseling.